Thanks -- I've been following Sheldon Brown's site. It's where I got the info on how to start/stop, mount/dismount that has helped me the most.

I do think I need to practice on the parking lot, though. Today we rode 6.5 miles taking a different route and it was really pleasant early -- in the low 80s and we were home by 7:00 a.m. I did make sure I stopped and started (the few times I had to) on level street w/o propping my foot on the curb, just to establish better habits and so I won't feel at a disadvantage w/o the curb. These are tall bikes!